Overview & Reviews

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo traces its roots back several decades to the height of the muscle car era, when Chevy sought to entice customers with a sporty, upscale rear-drive V8 coupe that provided a balance of performance and comfort in a stylish package. From those early years -- which included big-block SS (Super Sport) editions -- the Monte Carlo evolved toward a more luxury-oriented persona, saw significant downsizing (to optimize fuel efficiency) and soldiered on as a popular rear-drive sport coupe until 1988, when it was replaced by the Lumina coupe.

Following a lengthy hiatus, the Chevy Monte Carlo emerged once again in 1995. However, by then it had been softened and saddled with a carryover front-wheel-drive platform and V6 engines that barely hinted at the performance of years gone by. It was, in essence, a Lumina coupe.

The current-generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo coupe debuted in 2000 with more distinctive styling and updated underpinnings from the Impala sedan to better meet the needs of today's buyers. Significant changes in 2006 helped the Monte Carlo come nearly full circle back to its original mission with sportier chassis tuning, improved driving dynamics and more power in SS models, while freshened interior and exterior styling offer a sculpted and pleasing contemporary appearance. In spite of those updates, sales remained sluggish and the Monte Carlo was gone after the 2007 model year.

Although much improved in its latter years -- including a return to available V8 power in SS trim -- we feel that other performance sport coupe competitors like the Mustang offer a more satisfying choice as long as you don't mind giving up some interior room. In reviews, our editors felt that the Monte Carlo was primarily a comfortable cruiser more at home in the fast lane than on twisty mountain roads. If the latter is your preferred driving environment, you may want to consider other brighter, more focused alternatives.

Most Recent Chevrolet Monte Carlo

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo received a major update for the 2006 model year and it remained a midsize two-door coupe that came in three trim levels: the base but reasonably well-equipped LS, the more upscale LT and the performance-oriented SS. Under the hood of LS and LT models is a 3.5-liter V6 with 211 horsepower, while the SS boasts a responsive 5.3-liter V8 with 303 hp. Impressive numbers, yes. But they would've been even better if they powered the rear wheels like Monte Carlos of years ago, especially in the case of the SS. A front-engine/rear-drive layout is typically preferable for optimum weight distribution and balanced handling, especially when the engine is a heavy V8.

Overall, this version of the Chevy Monte Carlo, which only lasted through '07, was a spacious sport coupe that offered buyers a reasonably good comfort/performance trade-off for a relatively low sticker price. Although quick in a straight line, the V8-equipped Monte Carlo SS suffers from a nose-heavy feel. If quick reflexes are on your wish list instead and you don't mind tighter passenger quarters, we suggest you consider a smaller but more nimble sport coupe, such as an Acura RSX or Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Past Chevrolet Monte Carlo Models

Used-car shoppers interested in a late-model Monte Carlo will likely encounter the previous-generation model, which was available from the 2000-'05 model years. Based on the then-new Impala platform and wearing fresh, distinctive (some said ugly) sheet metal with heritage styling cues, the Monte Carlo was originally offered as an LS with a 3.4-liter V6 engine making 180 hp, or an SS with a 200-hp 3.8-liter V6. A driver side airbag -- as well as traction control and OnStar on SS models -- was added as standard safety equipment in 2001, and all models received four-wheel disc brakes, traction control and remote keyless entry in 2003. In a bid to boost its performance image, Chevrolet added a 240-hp supercharged engine option for the SS in 2004.

Previous to this model, there was the Lumina-based Monte Carlo, which became available for the 1995 model year in LS or Z34 sport trim levels. Those wishing to hit the fast lane are advised to stick with the 210-hp 3.4-liter twincam V6 in the Z34. Detail improvements carried the Monte Carlo through the next several years, though only the most eagle-eyed used-car shoppers are likely to appreciate the differences.

User Reviews:

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  Does this car fall under the lemon laws? - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Linda - November 6 - 5:33 pm

  Over the last few years I have always driven Chrysler products and loved them, but when I test drove the Monte Carlo I fell in love with it. Little did I know that every few weeks I would be returning my car to the dealership for some type of repair. The repairs have ranged from the tire monitor sensors to the heated seats and the brakes and also dont let me forget the heating system. I buy brand new cars so I dont have this problem. If this car holds up for the next 2 years I will be getting rid of it and going back to Chrysler products and if someone would offer to buy it right now I would sell it and take my loss if you would even call it a loss. I wouldnt recommend buying this car.

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  Top dog 2007 SS - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By dfwwiz - October 28 - 7:43 pm

  This is the 4th Monte Carlo we have owned. We bought this 07 SS after finding out about it being the last year produced. Chevy finally put the engine in it needed and now its dead. After 5 weeks of owning it, im still in awe of it! We trade in a very nice 2004 SS for this one. This one is black with most all of the extras on it. This is by far the best car Ive ever owned. It gets great mileage for having over 300 hp. So far it has averaged 20.6 in city. The power is just awesome. I removed the mufflers to let it sound better and replaced them with straight 2.250 pipe and reattached the stock tips. This car turns heads evereywhere it goes. We also had a 79 and still have an 86 SS

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  Theres always something wrong - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Scott - October 26 - 12:50 am

  In general, I like the car. It performs well and gets good gas mileage (as much as 28-29 on the highway). The thing that bothers me is stuff that goes wrong way before it should. Both front strut towers and bearings at 40k, Tie rods at 45k. I have not been able to get more than 2 months in a row without one or more of the tire pressure sensors going out. Now today at 58K, the power steering pump just went. It is discouraging, and I am a hard core GM guy

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  Awesome car, happy Gramma! - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By LAURA - October 25 - 5:50 pm

  I have always enjoyed the three previous Chevys I owned. (Chevelle, Malibu Classic, Monte Carlo. I purchased my current Monte Carlo last February 05, 2006. Plenty of room in back, as I use a wheelchair, and I am able to put it behind the passenger side front bucketseat. I have no problems with that process. Long live the two door mid-size Monte!

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  Awesome - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Rick1234894 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Its an extremely smooth ride with a good amount of power

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  ss Monte - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By lmilone - October 20 - 10:00 am

  The SS Monte Carlo is superior all the way around. The handling, styling, comfort and performance is awesome. When you step on the accelerator you go without any hesitation and gas mileage is surprisingly good.

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  Smooth and Powerful Ride - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By dashmax - October 5 - 10:00 am

  My Monte Carlo SS growls and goes at the touch of the accelerator. It is a joy to drive under any and all road conditions. The stylish lines of the design are the finest in the class. Im quite happy with my MC.

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  GREAT CAR FOR THE MONEY - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By lynette - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I JUST PURCHASED MY MONTE CARLO A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED WITH THE GAS MILEAGE, HOWEVER THE CAR HANDLES GREAT, FEELS GOOD TO DRIVE, THE ONLY PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE ENCOUNTERED IS MY DASH IS WARPING AND COMING APART AND MY TRUNK OPENS WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD, NOTHING THAT CHEVROLET DID NOT TAKE CARE OF!!!!!!!! I WOULD DEFINETELY RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ANYONE OF ANY AGE

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  03 ss - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By loams - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Overall, a very fine car. Well designed with plenty of room and excellent gas mileage. Great looking too!

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  My Last Chevy - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Tim Little - September 28 - 11:26 am

  Fell in love with the Montes after owning a 98. But now I am ready for a divorce. Paint is flaking off, sunroof no longer works, head light sockets keep melting, random rattling sounds under the car, bad a/c unit and broken seatbelt covers. And what did Chevy do about it when I called them? They gave me a survey about my Chevy ownership history and then told me that I was out of luck, that the paint problem was because of living in New England. Since I dont plan on moving, I apparently am discluded from owning any more Chevys. Of course, after they told me I was on my own with all the other issues, that was the last straw, and I babied this car! Horrible trade in value.